Turf Paradise Owner Locks Out Management Team As Racing Season Approaches

The turmoil at Turf Paradise escalated Saturday when racetrack owner Jerry Simms reportedly locked Gary Hartunian’s Skyfall 7 management team out of its offices at the Phoenix facility, raising further concerns about the upcoming racing season.

According to Horse Racing Nation, track security ordered employees to leave the offices Saturday afternoon. Signs posted at the facility stated that TP Racing, the property owner, had retaken possession of the premises.

The lockout follows the October 1 resignation of general manager Tom Ludt and the departure of eight additional management officials Thursday. The departing employees cited disagreements with Hartunian over the direction of the business.

Hartunian’s Skyfall 7 has operated Turf Paradise under a two-year lease from Simms that began approximately 11 months ago. Despite investing more than $3 million in facility improvements, the operation has reportedly faced financial difficulties, including questions surrounding loans from the horsemen’s purse account.

Reports also indicate that Scottsdale businessman Joey Platts, a minority investor in Skyfall 7, could be involved in an effort to buy out Hartunian and restore the former management team.

The developments come at a critical time for Arizona horse racing. Turf Paradise's 80-day 2026-27 meeting is scheduled to begin November 27, with horses expected to arrive October 19. A track inspection by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is scheduled for October 16.

The uncertainty raises questions about whether the upcoming Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing programs can proceed as planned.